The question of how best to assist families who have survived terror attacks is a priority for ATZUM. Over this past year our goal was figuring out how best to counsel these families on moving from dependence to independence. Out of the hundreds of families that we assist, we found that 26 families were ready to take this step towards independence. We began working with these families after assessing their situation based on needs, motivation and goals that they had for themselves. After varying amounts of time spent working closely and intensively with each of them we can now see the results. Many still have additional steps to take; many have really begun to reach their goals. Either way we will maintain a special relationship with them and continue to assist. We are very proud of them. To see them emerge from the horrors and tragedy that they underwent, to finding the strength to rebuild their lives and give back to their communities, is so inspiring. Here are some amazing stories of families who have taken those giant courageous steps to the finish line of independence.
D, 28, is married with three young children living in the center of Israel. D was 20 when a suicide bomber blew himself up on a bus riding through Megiddo Junction. He underwent several operations including stomach surgery, the removal of his spleen and extensive surgery on his hip and legs. In addition, he suffered a broken shoulder, burns on most of his body, and embedded shrapnel that could not be removed. D was wheelchair bound for half a year after the incident until he was able to walk with the aid of a crutch. The terror attack came soon after his return to Israel. He had been working in New York to raise money to help support his parents. He was set to be inducted into the IDF in a couple of weeks. During the period of rigorous rehabilitation, D met his future wife whom he married a year later. Despite all of his challenges, D began to study law at Ono College at age 24. He recently graduated with excellent grades. Due to the family’s dire financial situation, D postponed his law internship and bar examinations in order to work to help his family. He is currently working at a real estate company to gain experience in sales and business. This semester with ATZUM’s help he will take some additional business courses laying the foundation for him to be able to work part time next year while completing his legal training.
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It was a great day when B received her official results that she had passed the Israel Bar Examinations. The family enjoyed a wonderful summer – the first in many years that she was not working and going to school. B, the mother of two beautiful children was orphaned at the young age of 19. Both her parents were murdered on the egged bus #405 en route Jerusalem to Tel Aviv. She was a soldier at the time was left to raise her younger siblings. She was unable to complete her education, a dream of both hers and her parents. However, with absolute devotion and tireless determination, B worked full time, cared for her family (including her handicapped husband) and went to law school. This summer she completed her law internship and passed the Israeli Bar Examinations at the top of her class. She has returned to her former full-time position as assistant to the city manager of a small municipality while awaiting a new position in the municipal legal department. We are so proud of her! During the years that she was back in school and juggling her multiple responsibilities, she never complained once. She would say “I am doing this for myself, my children and for my parents”
